As the enterovirus activity has continued to increase, the epidemic season has begun.　According to the surveillance data compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), coxsackie A virus is currently the dominant strains circulating in the community. Cases of enterovirus 71 infection have also continued to occur, including 3 severe cases. The public is urged to stay vigilant for enterovirus infection, practice frequent and proper hand washing, rest at home while sick, and seek medical attention at a large hospital when prodromal symptoms of severe enterovirus infection develop.

During Week 17 (April 24 and 30, 2016), the number of visits to outpatient services and ER for enterovirus infection in the nation was 11,174, which is 25.8% up from that reported during the previous week and above the national epidemic threshold of 11,000. A total of 10 cities and counties have reported a number of patient visits for enterovirus infection that is above the national epidemic threshold (11,000), including Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, New Taipei City, Taitung County, Chiayi County, Miaoli County, Changhua County and Hualien County. Thus far this year, as of May 2, 17 cases of EV71 infection, including 14 mild cases and 3 severe cases, have been confirmed in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Yilan County, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Pingtung County and Hualien County.

In response to the enterovirus season this year, Taiwan CDC has established a response work team to closely monitor the development of the ongoing outbreak and frequently organize training sessions for health care workers in the nation in order to heighten health care workers’ vigilance and response for severe cases and strengthen hospital surge capacity. Additionally, educational videos, posters and pamphlets to promote enterovirus awareness are made available for download and reference by the public on the Taiwan CDC’s website. Furthermore, Taiwan CDC has continued to disseminate accurate information about enterovirus prevention to the general public through various communication channels and requested local governments to continue to supervise and inspect the environmental cleanliness, the implementation of disinfection activities, the maintenance of hand washing facilities, and the management of child health at childcare facilities under their respective jurisdiction.

Frequent hand washing is the primary way to prevent enterovirus infection. When clean and running water is available, please follow the five steps to wash your hands: “Wet, Scrub, Rinse, Clean, Wipe” and use an adequate amount of soap for proper hand washing. Lather hands with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60-95% alcohol. Rub the sanitizer over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry to effectively lower the risk of infection.

Taiwan CDC reminds that enterovirus is highly contagious, especially in crowded places such as households and child care facilities.　Therefore, adults who return home from work are advised to change clothes and wash hands with soap and water before coming into contact with children. In addition, please make sure children wash their hands with soap and water thoroughly when returning home and before having their meals in order to ward off infection. When a child in a household is diagnosed with enterovirus infection, parents and child caregivers are urged to refrain the sick child from close contact with other children to prevent further spread of the disease and watch for the development of prodromal symptoms of severe enterovirus infection in the sick child such as drowsiness, disturbed consciousness, inactivity, flaccid paralysis, myoclonic jerk, continuous vomiting, tachypnea, and tachycardia to ensure timely treatment. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).